by RAF KATIGBAK

Although tracks like Fischerspooner’s “Emerge” and Peaches’s “Fuck the Pain Away” are quickly reaching played-out status, electro seems to be surviving the underground backlash that everyone knew was coming. Here in Montreal, yours truly continues to come across nights where the electro fires continue to burn. Two weeks ago it was Blizzarts Chemistry Saturday with DJs Mini and Bliss (who was not mentioned last week, but who definitely rocks the party both at Chemistry and his other weekly, the bumpin’ breaks gig the Grill).

Last week it was Razzmatazz whose DJs Amyl Nitrate and Radiowhore rocked the packed Missy Bar on Mont-Royal. Billed as an “indie-pop-electro-tech-synth-punk-mod-glam-dance-party,” the flavour of the night was hipster goth chic with a healthy mix of regulars and the curious, all of whom got down like nobody’s bidness. All in all, a fun monthly event that is worth checking out next time around (last Saturday of every month).

Saturday, Feb. 1, fans of extreme electronic music should drop by l’X for a soundclash dance party featuring a crew of NYC and Montreal hard techno, breakcore, speedcore, hardcore and ragga jungle mashup DJs and live acts. On the bill from NYC will be acts like Fury 8, Xylene, Amok and Nobody, plus the “ragga chanting” of MC Isis - all care of NYC’s Renegade Virus crew. Representing MTL will be Mack One, Jeremaie, Maskinn and 1 Speed Bike. Headlining is San Francisco’s Optic, an Isolate Records labelmate to Venetion Snares. It’s not often you get to hear these sounds in Montreal, so headz better represent. $10 at the door with info at 409-2411 or 302-3715.

Looking for an even bigger party? Well, Simian Productions just might have what you’re looking for Friday night. With two rooms of breakbeat, funky techno and full-on hard trance and freeform/trancecore featuring a whole slew of international and local DJs, their Invasion party is looking like it’s about to fuck shit up. Kevin Energy, Tilzs, Bubblecore and AC Slater are only a few of the acts slated for the night. Check www.simian-corp.com for more info.

For something really special, drop by Blue Dog this Monday, Feb. 3, for their special event entitled “lattakeuse dimage.” This one-time-only event will feature a giant wall-sized canvas upon which visual artists and painters Fabrice Landry, Julien Lalancette, Pascal Caputo and Simo will collaborate all night. DJ Mini will provide the soundtrack for the evening with a special experimental set. This is a great chance to meet and interact with these artists and catch them in their creative processes in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere (and best of all, it’s free!). Don’t miss it! :

The greatest thing before sliced bread… Diskoakimbo@sympatico.ca

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